Quick Take

Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java...and where murder sometimes pays a visit.Convinced that the elderly lady in her care didn't die of natural causes, Macy's friend Della determines to look into the broken relationships surrounding the woman. She books a Halloween-themed getaway at a local inn and talks Macy into coming along with her to spy on her prime suspect.As they join a ghost tour of the candlelit town, Macy and Della feel their guide is a little too fanatical as he shares his spooky tales. He tells the story of the Greenbrier ghost, a newlywed who supposedly came back from the grave to tell her family that her husband murdered her.When a disturbing apparition makes its presence known, guests at the inn become apprehensive...and for good reason, because soon after, a young bride turns up dead. Although everything points to a copycat killer replicating the historical Greenbrier murder, Macy has her doubts. She's discovered that the inn harbors secrets of its own, and when she pokes into one darkened corner too many, she might not stand a ghost of a chance.Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown...with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series in order:Book 1: No FilterBook 2: Iced OverBook 3: Fair TradeBook 4: Spilled MilkBook 5: Trouble Brewing

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Trouble Brewing (Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery #5)

Introduction

"Trouble Brewing" by Heather Day Gilbert is the fifth installment in the Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery series. This series combines a coffee cafe with a shelter for pet adoptions, featuring a brother-sister team running the place. In "Trouble Brewing," Macy Hatfield and her friend Della Goddard investigate a murder at an inn during a Halloween-themed getaway. With a cast of well-developed characters and a gripping mystery, Gilbert delivers another engaging addition to the series.

About Heather Day Gilbert

Heather Day Gilbert, an RWA Daphne du Maurier Award-winning author and 2-time ECPA Christy Award finalist, has a knack for crafting contemporary mysteries and Viking historicals. She brings authentic family relationships to her stories, ensuring that her characters feel like best friends to her readers. Gilbert's writing style is praised for its realism, making her books relatable and enjoyable. As a native West Virginian, Gilbert often spends her time with her husband and children, playing video games, or reading Agatha Christie novels. Visit her website at heatherdaygilbert.com to learn more about her work.

Analysis of Views

Engaging Mystery: Readers rave about the mystery in "Trouble Brewing." The story is haunting and appealing, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The murder investigation adds an element of suspense, making it difficult for readers to predict the outcome.
Well-Developed Characters: Heather Day Gilbert's characters are praised for their depth and authenticity. The sibling duo, Macy and Bo Hatfield, are particularly well-liked, as are the supporting characters in the story. Readers appreciate the realistic portrayal of relationships and the strong bond between Macy and Della.
Unique Setting: The Barks & Beans Cafe series is set in a small town where crimes often occur. The combination of a coffee cafe and a pet shelter adds an interesting twist to the cozy mystery genre. Readers enjoy the unique setting and the opportunity to explore it through Macy's eyes.
Clean Read: Many readers appreciate that the Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery series is clean and free from graphic scenes or profanity. This makes it suitable for readers who prefer wholesome mysteries without explicit content.
Suspenseful Atmosphere: The atmosphere in "Trouble Brewing" is described as suspenseful, drawing readers into the story with its eerie setting and spooky elements. The ghost tour and haunted inn add to the chilling atmosphere, making it a perfect read for Halloween or cozy autumn evenings.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Mystery: The mystery in "Trouble Brewing" is one of the main reasons readers recommend this book. The haunting storyline and unexpected twists keep readers guessing until the very end. It's a captivating read that will keep you on your toes.
Well-Developed Characters: Heather Day Gilbert's characters are praised for their depth and authenticity. Readers appreciate the realistic portrayal of relationships and the strong bond between Macy and Della. The supporting characters add depth to the story, making it more enjoyable.
Unique Setting: The Barks & Beans Cafe series is set in a small town where crimes often occur. The combination of a coffee cafe and a pet shelter adds an interesting twist to the cozy mystery genre. Readers enjoy exploring this unique setting through Macy's eyes and appreciate the attention to detail in Gilbert's writing.
Clean Read: Many readers appreciate that the Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery series is clean and free from graphic scenes or profanity. It's suitable for readers who prefer wholesome mysteries without explicit content, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Suspense: Some readers feel that "Trouble Brewing" lacks suspense compared to other books in the series. They find that the mystery doesn't build up as much tension as they expected, making it less thrilling than other cozy mysteries they have read.
Implausibility of Certain Elements: A few readers express concerns about certain elements in the story being implausible or unrealistic. They question the plausibility of certain actions taken by characters or the reasoning behind certain decisions made by Macy and Della. However, these criticisms are not universal, and many readers find these aspects of the story enjoyable despite their skepticism.

Conclusion

"Trouble Brewing" by Heather Day Gilbert is a captivating addition to the Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery series. With its engaging mystery, well-developed characters, unique setting, and clean read, it offers readers an enjoyable experience filled with suspense and intrigue. While some readers feel that certain aspects of the story lack suspense or are implausible, overall, "Trouble Brewing" is recommended for those who enjoy cozy mysteries with a touch of spookiness and a strong sense of community.